How Paul Allen Is Being Remembered

Paul Allen’s vision and generosity is reflected around the globe, and he will be remembered as a hometown hero with huge ideas that helped change the world.

Paul was a friend, brother, philanthropist and visionary.

“When I think about Paul, I remember a passionate man who held his family and friends dear. I also remember a brilliant technologist and philanthropist who wanted to accomplish great things, and did.” –Bill Gates

“My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.” – Jody Allen

“His willingness to take risks as a young man and see a future others didn’t was a signature contribution that should remind Americans that the future is still what creative individuals in a free society make it.” – The Wall Street Journal

He always remembered his roots, and loved Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

“Paul was a true son of Seattle who made his beloved city—and our world—a better, more vibrant place. For generations to come, Seattleites and people across our planet will benefit from his vision, innovation, and generosity. He quite literally helped invent the future.” – Jenny Durkan, Seattle Mayor

“Mr. Allen was known across the Puget Sound region for his generosity to social services and deep love of sports and the arts. Among the richest people in the world, he believed not in holding on to his wealth, but in giving it away in large swaths.”- The Seattle Times

“He was a lifelong passionate lover of art and music. His generosity across the entire arts sector in our region made a huge impact. He enjoyed musical performances of all kinds. He loved rock and roll. He loved the London Proms. He loved a great piano concerto.” – Leslie Chihuly, Seattle Symphony board of directors chair emeritus

“Because he kept a relatively low profile in his giving, it wasn’t widely known how Allen often exemplified big philanthropy at its best. He was visionary and daring, but he also deeply cared about vulnerable people—whether it was Africans struggling against dread diseases or homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk on the streets of Seattle.” – Inside Philanthropy

“As a philanthropist his interests were anything but narrow. He donated funds to protect the planet, fight Ebola (with $100 million), improve education equality, support the arts, conserve wildlife, and research intelligence — both natural and artificial.” – Forbes

“Allen’s…passion was for the human brain…He would go on to give hundreds of millions more to the Allen Institute, which now has nearly 500 employees and has become a powerhouse in the world of brain research.” – NPR

Paul spent four decades exploring the frontiers of technology and human knowledge, and acting to change the future. His legacy will live on as long as we remember his call to action- to work together with urgency and determination toward a better future.

“What made Allen special was that he was always willing to attack the orange rind again and again, even if he never got to the center of the fruit. That’s why I’m typing this on plastic and circuit-board device with a silicon brain. It’s why scientists have deep data resources to help them understand how the brain is wired together, what cells are in it, and also how stem cells work. If future generations on this planet can dive in coral reefs despite our changing climate, it will be due in part to efforts he funded…Among the lessons he leaves behind is that we should each try to rip a little rind of an orange.” – Forbes